Volume 23, Issue 5 (September-October 2024)
Payesh 2024, 23(5): 737-750 |
Back to browse issues page
Ethics code: UM.TNC2/UMREC_3195
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Anbari M, Nazri Bin Abdul Rahman M. The Adoptees’ Behavioral Challenges in Adaptive Families: a systematic review. Payesh 2024; 23 (5) :737-750
URL: http://payeshjournal.ir/article-1-2595-en.html
URL: http://payeshjournal.ir/article-1-2595-en.html
1- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Education, University Malaya, Malaysia
Abstract: (1063 Views)
Objective(s): This systematic review aimed to consolidate and critically analyze studies that investigated the multifaceted behavioral challenges encountered by adoptees. Specifically, the review aimed to elucidate the complexity and diversity of these challenges across various cultural and familial contexts, and to identify key factors that contribute to the psychological and behavioral outcomes of adoptees.
Methods: Comprehensive literature searches were conducted by keywords including "behavioral challenges", "conduct disorder", "attention disorder", "hyperactivity disorder", "autism", and "academic challenges" in databases like Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus, focusing on studies published between 2019 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were based on document type (articles, theses), study design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods), language (English), and relevance to the topics of adoption, behavioral challenges, and family dynamics.
Results: In all, 28 studies were reviewed. The studies employed a range of methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, encompassing diverse geographical regions such as the USA, Italy, Norway, and Korea. The review identified several key themes. Secure attachment was found to be crucial in mitigating behavioral challenges. Insecure and disorganized attachment patterns were prevalent among adoptees with adverse pre-adoption experiences. Positive family dynamics, characterized by parental warmth, support, and effective communication, were associated with better psychological outcomes for adoptees. Conversely, negative dynamics exacerbated behavioral issues. Early adverse experiences, including neglect, abuse, and instability in care, were linked to higher rates of psychological and behavioral problems.
Conclusion: While secure attachment and supportive family environments can alleviate some behavioral challenges, inconsistencies in the results across studies indicate the need for more focused investigations. Future studies should focus on understanding the mechanisms through which pre-adoption experiences impact long-term outcomes and developing interventions tailored to the unique needs of adoptees. This review underscores the necessity for adoptive parents and professionals to be aware of the diverse factors influencing adoptees' development to foster better psychological and behavioral adjustment.
Methods: Comprehensive literature searches were conducted by keywords including "behavioral challenges", "conduct disorder", "attention disorder", "hyperactivity disorder", "autism", and "academic challenges" in databases like Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus, focusing on studies published between 2019 and 2021. Inclusion criteria were based on document type (articles, theses), study design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods), language (English), and relevance to the topics of adoption, behavioral challenges, and family dynamics.
Results: In all, 28 studies were reviewed. The studies employed a range of methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, encompassing diverse geographical regions such as the USA, Italy, Norway, and Korea. The review identified several key themes. Secure attachment was found to be crucial in mitigating behavioral challenges. Insecure and disorganized attachment patterns were prevalent among adoptees with adverse pre-adoption experiences. Positive family dynamics, characterized by parental warmth, support, and effective communication, were associated with better psychological outcomes for adoptees. Conversely, negative dynamics exacerbated behavioral issues. Early adverse experiences, including neglect, abuse, and instability in care, were linked to higher rates of psychological and behavioral problems.
Conclusion: While secure attachment and supportive family environments can alleviate some behavioral challenges, inconsistencies in the results across studies indicate the need for more focused investigations. Future studies should focus on understanding the mechanisms through which pre-adoption experiences impact long-term outcomes and developing interventions tailored to the unique needs of adoptees. This review underscores the necessity for adoptive parents and professionals to be aware of the diverse factors influencing adoptees' development to foster better psychological and behavioral adjustment.
type of study: Systematic Reviw |
Subject:
Health Psychologhy
Received: 2024/07/22 | Accepted: 2024/09/18 | ePublished ahead of print: 2024/10/7 | Published: 2024/10/8
Received: 2024/07/22 | Accepted: 2024/09/18 | ePublished ahead of print: 2024/10/7 | Published: 2024/10/8
References
1. Anthony R, Paine A, Shelton K. Adverse childhood experiences of children adopted from care: The importance of adoptive parental warmth for future child adjustment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019; 16: 12-22 [DOI:10.3390/ijerph16122212]
2. Bastianoni C, Mora S. C, De Gregorio E, Bizzi, F. Exploring adopted adolescents' inner world through the lens of qualitative methodology. Children and Youth Services Review 2020; 113: 104973 [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104973]
3. Field J, Pond R. How adoption affects the experience of adult intimate relationships and parenthood: A systematic review. New Zealand Journal of Counselling 2018; 38: 24-55 [DOI:10.24135/nzjc.v38i2.227]
4. Greenberg, Angelica. Understanding Attachment and Bonding Through Internationally Adoptive Parents. California State University, Northridge. Doctoral Dissertation 2018
5. Lo A. Y, Grotevant H. D. Adoptive Parenting Cognitions: Acknowledgement of Differences as a Predictor of Adolescents' Attachment to Parents. Parenting 2020; 20: 83-107 [DOI:10.1080/15295192.2019.1694826]
6. Pinderhughes E. E, Brodzinsky D. Parenting in Adoptive Families, Handbook of parenting. 3rd Edition, New York, 2019 [DOI:10.4324/9780429440847-10]
7. Pace C. S, Guerriero V, Zavattini G. C. Children's attachment representations: A pilot study comparing family drawing with narrative and behavioral assessments in adopted and community children. The Arts in Psychotherapy 2020; 67: 01612 [DOI:10.1016/j.aip.2019.101612]
8. Helder E. J, Gunnoe M. L, Timmermans H. Religious motivation to adopt as a predictor of adoptive family structure, parental discipline, and outcomes. Adoption Quarterly 2020; 23: 163-186 [DOI:10.1080/10926755.2020.1790451]
9. Goldberg A. E, Tornello S, Farr R, Smith J. Z, Miranda L. Barriers to adoption and foster care and openness to child characteristics among transgender adults. Children and Youth Services Review 2020; 109: 104699 [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104699]
10. McKee K. D. Disrupting kinship: Transnational politics of Korean adoption in the United States. 1st Edition, Illustrated, University of Illinois Press, United States 2019 [DOI:10.5622/illinois/9780252042287.003.0001]
11. Myers K, Baden A. L, Ferguson A. Going Back "Home": Adoptees Share Their Experiences of Hong Kong Adoptee Gathering. Adoption Quarterly 2020; 23: 187-218 [DOI:10.1080/10926755.2020.1790452]
12. Dalen M, Theie S, Rygvold A. L. School adjustment of internationally adopted children in primary school: A mother and teacher approach. Children and Youth Services Review 2020; 109: 104737 [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104737]
13. Leve L. D, Neiderhiser J. M, Ganiban J. M, Natsuaki M. N, Shaw D. S, Reiss D. The Early Growth and Development Study: A dual-family adoption study from birth through adolescence. Twin Research and Human Genetics 2019; 22: 716-727 [DOI:10.1017/thg.2019.66]
14. Baden A, Shadel D, Morgan R, White E, Harrington E, Christian N, Bates T. Delaying adoption disclosure: a survey of late discovery adoptees. Journal of Family Issues 2019; 40: 1154-1180 [DOI:10.1177/0192513X19829503]
15. Askeland K, Hysing M, La Greca A, Aaro L, Tell G, Sivertsen B. Mental health in internationally adopted adolescents: A meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2017; 56: 203-213 [DOI:10.1016/j.jaac.2016.12.009]
16. Paine A. L, Perra O, Anthony R, Shelton K. H. Charting the trajectories of adopted children's emotional and behavioral problems: The impact of early adversity and postadoptive parental warmth. Development and Psychopathology 2020; 33: 922-936 [DOI:10.1017/S0954579420000231]
17. Brodzinsky D, Smith S. L. Commentary: Understanding research, policy, and practice issues in adoption instability. Research on Social Work Practice 2019; 29: 185-194 [DOI:10.1177/1049731518782647]
18. DeLurgio S. Please don't go, we love you so: Recognizing unrecognized early loss in adoptees. Psychoanalytic Inquiry 2019; 39: 318-325 [DOI:10.1080/07351690.2019.1623589]
19. Lopeman P. A. An Aggregation of Means for the Child Behavior Checklist in Order to More Accurately Represent International Adoptees. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Doctoral dissertation 2019
20. Palacios J, Rolock N, Selwyn J, Barbosa-Ducharne M. Adoption breakdown: Concept, research, and implications. Research on Social Work Practice 2019; 29: 130-142 [DOI:10.1177/1049731518783852]
21. Kernreiter J, Klier C, Zeiler M, Huscsava M. M, Fiala C, Felnhofer A. The anonymously adopted child: Impact of age and parental psychopathology on adoptees' mental health. Children and Youth Services Review 2020; 119: 105672 [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105672]
22. Canzi E, Ranieri S, Barni D, Rosnati R. Predictors of parenting stress during early adoptive parenthood. Current Psychology 2019; 38: 811-820 [DOI:10.1007/s12144-017-9657-x]
23. Balenzano C, Coppola G, Cassibba R, Moro G. Pre-adoption adversities and adoptees' outcomes: The protective role of post-adoption variables in an Italian experience of domestic open adoption. Children and Youth Services Review 2018; 85: 307-318 [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.01.012]
24. Branje S. Development of parent-adolescent relationships: Conflict interactions as a mechanism of change. Child Development Perspectives 2018; 12: 171-176 [DOI:10.1111/cdep.12278]
25. Finet C, Vermeer H. J, Juffer F, Bijttebier P, Bosmans G. Adopted children's behavioral adjustment over time: pre-adoption experiences and adoptive parenting. The Journal of Early Adolescence 2020; 40: 453-479 [DOI:10.1177/0272431619858408]
26. Garrard Janeice A, Attachment and Identity in Higher Education, Lived Experiences of Korean Adoptees. Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2021; Paper 329
27. Bowlby J. Attachment and loss: Attachment, Basic Books. First Edition, New York, 1969
28. Bowlby J. Attachment and loss: Separation, Basic Books. 2nd Edition, New York, 1973
29. Bowlby J. Attachment and loss: Loss, sadness and depression. 3th Edition, Basic Books, New York, 1980
30. Melançon F, Cossette L, Smith C, Beauvais-Dubois C, Cyr C, Smolla N. Parenting stress of adoptive mothers, mother-child conflict, and behavior problems during adolescence among international adoptees. Journal of Family Psychology 2019; 33: 988-993 [DOI:10.1037/fam0000542]
31. Howes C, Spieker S. Attachment Relationships in the Context pf Multiple Caregivers. Handbook of Attachment. Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications 3rd edition, The Guilford Pres, New York & London, 2016
32. McConnachie A. L, Ayed N, Jadva V, Lamb M, Tasker F, Golombok S. Father-child attachment in adoptive gay father families. Attachment & Human Development 2020; 22: 110-123 [DOI:10.1080/14616734.2019.1589067]
33. Solomon J, & George C. The Measurement of Attachment Security and Related Constructs in Infancy and Early Childhood. In J. Cassidy. & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theory research and clinical applications, 3rd Edition, The Guilford Press, New York, 2016
34. Paniagua C, Palacios J, Jiménez-Morago J. M. Adoption breakdown and adolescence. Child & Family Social Work 2019; 24: 512-518 [DOI:10.1111/cfs.12631]
35. Barone L, Lionetti F, Green J. A matter of attachment? How adoptive parents foster post-institutionalized children's social and emotional adjustment. Attachment & Human Development 2017; 19: 323-339 [DOI:10.1080/14616734.2017.1306714]
36. Ainsworth M, Blehar M, Waters E, Wall S. Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Classic Edition, New York, 2015 [DOI:10.4324/9780203758045]
37. Liu Y, Li D, Xu Y. Indiscriminate Friendliness in Children Adopted from China to the United States: A Mixed Methods Study. The Professional Counselor 2017; 7: 208-222 [DOI:10.15241/yl.7.3.208]
38. Pettis S. B. Is Knowledge of Normative Racial Identity Development Necessary, White Transracial Adoptive Parents' Intentions to Promote Black Adoptees' Racial Identity. Xavier University. Doctoral dissertation, Review of Social Development 2021; 3:3
39. Yarger H. A, Bernard K, Caron E. B, Wallin A, Dozier M. Enhancing parenting quality for young children adopted internationally: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology 2020; 49: 378-390 [DOI:10.1080/15374416.2018.1547972]
40. Ferrari L, Manzi C, Benet-Martinez V, Rosnati R. Social and Family Factors Related to Intercountry Adoptees and Immigrants' Bicultural Identity Integration. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology 2019; 50: 789-805 [DOI:10.1177/0022022119850339]
41. Bang E. J, Shahan K, John A, Garland C. Perceptions of School Bullying, Social Support, and Stress Among Korean Adoptees in US White Families: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Social Science Research 2020; 8: 23-27 [DOI:10.5296/ijssr.v8i1.15485]
42. Barroso R, Barbosa‐Ducharne M, Coelho V. Portuguese adopted adolescents' perception of attachment relationships to parents. Child & Family Social Work 2018; 23: 204-211 [DOI:10.1111/cfs.12401]
43. Mohanty J, Chokkanathan S, Park W. Risk and protective factors among Korean adult international adoptees: A latent class analysis. Children and Youth Services Review 2019; 101: 142-150 [DOI:10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.03.045]
44. Cai J, Kim A. Y, Lee R. M. Psychological correlates of interest in genetic testing among Korean American adoptees and their parents. Journal of Genetic Counseling 2020; 29: 460-470 [DOI:10.1002/jgc4.1237]
45. Selwyn J. Sibling relationships in adoptive families that disrupted or were in crisis. Research on Social Work Practice 2019; 29: 165-175 [DOI:10.1177/1049731518783859]
46. Suh E. Adoptees SPEAK: a multimodal critical discourse analysis of adult Korean adopted persons' adoption narratives on Instagram. Critical Inquiry in Language Studies 2020; 18: 1-20 [DOI:10.1080/15427587.2020.1796486]
47. Hepworth B, Testor C, Mercadal J, Baró M, Pujols M, Junyent V, Martínez B, Brodzinsky D. Influence of communicative openness on the psychological adjustment of internationally adopted adolescents. Journal of Research on Adolescence 2018; 30: 226-237 [DOI:10.1111/jora.12464]
48. Baird-Hepworth A. M. A Qualitative Investigation of Adoptees' Experiences in Intimate Relationships as Adults (Doctoral dissertation, Capella University), 2021
49. Utley J. A Phenomenological Exploration of Korean Adoptees' Multiple Minority Identities (Doctoral dissertation, University of Denver), 2020
50. Benejam, A. Common themes in the experiences of transracial adoptees: Gaining perspective through adult testimonials (Doctoral dissertation, Widener University), 2019
Send email to the article author
| Rights and Permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |